Opening day of the 2013 MLB Season is fast approaching and odds for the Seattle Mariners to win the 2013 World Series are at +8000, according to Sportsbook.ag. Over the last five season, the Mariners have logged more 100-loss campaigns (two) than they have winning campaigns (one). On the upside, the fresh presence of the deep-rebuilding Astros in AL West means a fourth straight last-place finish is unlikely.
The Seattle Mariners finished in last place in 2012 in the AL West with an unspectacular 75-87 record. They are familiar with that last place finish as they have done so in seven out of the last nine years, including each of the last three seasons.
The biggest change for 2013 might be the reconfigured outfield at Safeco Field. The walls are moving in—most significantly in left center, where the barrier will be 17 feet closer to the plate. In addition, the left-field wall will shrink from 16 feet to 8 feet, making for a uniform height all the way around. The result should be more homers for the Mariners, who had just one player, Kyle Seager, hit 20 last season. Michael Saunders and Justin Smoak were next with 19 apiece.
The Mariners’ best bet to add some firepower, though, was to bring in sluggers and they ultimately landed Michael Morse from Washington. Fellow newcomer Kendrys Morales, acquired in a trade that sent lefthander Jason Vargas to the Los Angeles Angels, hit 22 homers last season. However, his presence creates a bit of a position dilemma at first base/DH, where Smoak, Jesus Montero and newly acquired veteran Raul Ibanez will reside.
Seattle’s strengths will continue to be defense and pitching. Led by shortstop Brendan Ryan and center fielder Franklin Gutierrez, Seattle had the division’s best defense in 2012. That’s the perfect complement to a solid staff that includes one of the league’s top starters in Felix Hernandez. The rest of the rotation is decent, too, with 11-game winner Blake Beavan and Japanese righthander Hisashi Iwakuma, who posted a 2.65 ERA in 16 starts. Free-agent pickup Joe Saunders essentially replaces Vargas. Erasmo Ramirez, who limited opponents to a .217 average, fills out the rotation.
The bullpen is also a plus. Tom Wilhelmsen emerged as closer, saving 29 saves, posting a 2.50 ERA and striking out 87 in 79 1/3 innings. Mariners relievers stranded 72 percent of inherited runners last season, third-best in the league.
Last place finishes are good for high draft picks and the team is now loaded with young, potential superstars both on offense and in the rotation. The young Mariners are headed in the right direction and only time will tell if they can reach their potential
Pregame.com Webinar: Former Bookmaker Chris Andrews
Johnny Detroit from Pregame.com interviews former Vegas bookmaker Chris Andrews (Former casino owner and legal bookmaker for over 30 years.).